Rechargeable dispensers

ABSTRACT

Rechargeable dispensers, in particular spray bottle dispensers including at least one chemical reservoir for recharging the spray bottle dispenser. Preferably, a plurality of separate chemical reservoirs containing chemical concentrate are provided within the spray bottle dispenser to fully contain any inadvertent spillage of chemicals, and to insure a high degree of safety against accidental spills, and/or accidental ingestion by children.

"This is a continuation of U.S. patent application entitled"Rechargeable Dispensers", Ser. No. 08/279,978, filed Jul. 25, 1994,issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,216 on Jun. 25, 1996, and incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to rechargeable dispensers, in particularrechargeable spray bottle dispensers, that can be recharged or refilled.Specifically, the present invention is particularly directed to spraybottle dispensers having one or more reservoirs containing chemicalassociated with the spray bottle dispensers so that the spray bottledispensers can be recharged by simply adding water or some othersuitable solvent, and accessing one or more of the chemical reservoirsto form a diluted chemical reagent.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of spray bottles for dispensing chemical reagents (e.g., water,cleaners, soaps, insecticides, hair spray, etc.) are well known. Due toregulations limiting the amount of volatile organic carbons (VOCs)released in the atmosphere, products originally contained and dispensedthrough aerosols are currently being replaced with spray bottles.

Bottlers of chemical reagents typically market their products bypurchasing separately empty plastic container bottles and sprayheads.The bottlers then fill, assemble, and label the completed spray bottlepackages for delivery to retailers. Consumers purchase the filled spraybottles at the point-of-sale, and then consume the chemical contents ofthe spray bottle. Most consumers dispose of the spray bottles upon theone time use of the contents of the spray bottles. However, the spraybottles are still fully functional with respect to containing anddispensing chemical reagents, since the plastic bottles aresubstantially chemically resistant and the sprayheads remain fullyfunctional after consuming the contents. Conventional point-of-sale typespray bottles can be recharged numerous times with chemical concentrateand water (i.e., at least 10 times, possibly 100 times while maintainingfull operation). Thus, consumers dispose of large quantities of reusableproduct (i.e., empty spray bottles) having high utility value.

In today's environment of numerous regulations to control pollution, andconsumer and industrial awareness for conserving resources and reducinglandfill waste, it is highly desirable to promote the reuse of productsthat maintain their utility, and dispose of only products that no longerhave any utility. Many bottlers are currently selling concentrate invarious sized containers to allow consumers to recharge point-of-saletype spray bottles with their particular concentrates. However, manyconsumers are unwilling to adopt such methods apparently due to someinconvenience in the steps involved with the recharging process of thespray bottles. In particular, there is some inconvenience in removingthe sprayhead, opening the chemical concentrate container, pouring thechemical concentrate into the empty spray bottle, adding water, andre-attaching the sprayhead to the bottle. Further, consumers apparentlylack interest in recharging spray bottles due to some reluctance basedon their inexperience and knowledge in mixing and diluting liquids,which is done by processing chemists for the bottlers. In addition,recharging is usually a messy undertaking due to spillage of chemicalconcentrate while pouring from one container to the other, overfilling,accidentally knocking over the bottle being filled due to itsinstability when unfilled, and other undesirable mishaps that can occur,that provide substantial inconveniences.

Importantly, sizeable containers (e.g., pint, quart, gallon, litersizes) of chemical concentrate can be significantly hazardous totransport and handle by consumers unaware of the potent chemicalproperties of the chemical concentrates. Specifically, chemical spillsof concentrate can damage items around the home including flooring,carpeting, countertop in kitchens and bathrooms, shelves, and otheritems the chemical concentrate could potentially come into contact with.Further, chemical concentrate can impose a significantly greater healthrisk to persons coming into accidental contact therewith potentiallycausing tissue burns and other damage.

Most importantly, chemical concentrate imposes a great risk to childrenwho may accidentally ingest the chemical concentrate and becomepoisoned. Chemical concentrate greatly increases the chance of permanentinjury or death in this regard to children versus current dilutedchemical reagents contained in point-of-sale type spray bottles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a rechargeabledispenser, in particular a spray bottle dispenser having one or morechemical concentrate reservoirs associated with the spray bottledispenser.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a rechargeabledispenser, in particular a spray bottle dispenser having one or morechemical concentrate reservoirs disposed within the spray bottledispenser.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a rechargeabledispenser, in particular a spray bottle having one or more chemicalconcentrate reservoirs disposed within the spray bottle dispenser, andaccessible by bursting.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide arechargeable dispenser, in particular a spray bottle having one or morechemical concentrate reservoirs disposed within the spray bottledispenser, and accessible by puncturing.

These and other objects can be achieved by the rechargeable dispenser,in particular the spray bottle dispenser according to the presentinvention.

The main concept according to the present invention is to provide arechargeable dispenser, in particular a spray bottle dispenser packagehaving at least one supply of chemical to allow the spray bottledispenser to be recharged at least one time. The chemical can be in theform of a gas, liquid, semi-solid or solid. Specifically, the chemicalliquid can be a one phase mixture, a two phase mixture, a dispersion orany other chemical reagent having liquid characteristics. The chemicalsemi-solid can be in the form of a slurry, paste, solid dispersed in aliquid that still exhibits some liquid type characteristics, and thesolid can be in the form of powder, granules, tablet or other solidmaterial form.

The chemical is preferably a concentrated chemical that is readilydiluted with a solvent, in particular plain water. Preferably, thechemical can be immediately diluted, however, a chemical substance thatcan go into solution over a 24 hour or longer period of time canpotentially be suitable for some applications.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention involve associatingat least one quantity of chemical with the spray bottle dispenseritself. Specifically, the chemical is stored in some manner, andconnected directly internally or externally to the spray bottledispenser. However, the present invention is broader in scope to includepackaging the chemical and spray bottle dispenser together (i.e.,connected indirectly) to be marketed at the point-of-sale. In thisembodiment of the invention, a consumer would purchase the packagecontaining a supply of chemical and the spray bottle dispenser, separateat home the spray bottle dispenser that has been filled by the bottlerfrom the package and store the chemical portion of the package separatefrom the spray bottle dispenser in the household. The user would thenretrieve the stored chemical upon consuming the initial contents of thespray bottle dispenser for purposes of recharging the spray bottledispenser.

The preferred embodiments of the invention store the at least onequantity of chemical directly or indirectly inside or outside the spraybottle dispenser. In the case of an indirect connection to the spraybottle dispenser, a mechanical fastener such as a plastic strip connectsan external chemical reservoir to the spray bottle dispenser. In thecase of a direct connection, the chemical reservoir is directlyconnected internally or externally to the spray bottle dispenser. Themost preferred embodiments store the at least one quantity of chemicalinside the spray bottle dispenser, particularly the bottle portion, tofully contain any inadvertent spills or leakage of chemical through thelife of the spray bottle dispenser. These most preferred embodimentsprovide substantial advantages for handling, recharging and protectinghousehold items from contact with chemical, and most importantly toprevent accidental ingestion by children. This particular point isespecially important due to the much greater potency of chemicalconcentrate versus diluted chemical reagents currently being sold bybottlers at point-of-sale.

The most preferred embodiments also utilize conventional spray bottledispenser components including plastic bottles, plastic sprayheads, andplastic downtubes. In order to promote products incorporating thepresent invention, it is particularly important to utilize the standardcomponents that are readily available and relatively very inexpensivedue to the large quantities sold and consumed. Thus, an add-on chemicalreservoir for storing the chemical is highly desirable.

The most preferred add-on type chemical reservoir is an insert receivedwithin the bottle portion of the spray bottle dispenser. This type ofinsert can be manufactured extremely cheaply in high volume whileproviding all the performance characteristics necessary for a safe andreliable product. Specifically, the insert can be made with one or morechambers or cells containing chemical that can be accessed in variousways. For example, the reservoir can be sealed with membranes that canbe punctured with an instrument, in particular the tip of the downtube.Alternatively, the walls of the chemical reservoir can be designed orconfigured so as to be readily bursted upon application of externalpressure to the chemical reservoir. Adding lines of weaknesses, thinningof walls and other means for locally weakening a portion of the chemicalreservoir can be implemented for use in the present invention.

Alternatively, one or more of the components of the conventional spraybottle dispenser (e.g., bottle portion, sprayhead portion, downtube) canbe modified to provide the chemical reservoir. For example, the walls orbottom of the bottle portion can be modified, by molding a chemicalreservoir in one or more sides of bottom of the bottle portion, thesprayhead portion can be provided with a chemical reservoir, and/or thedowntube can be provided with an add-on chemical reservoir or the wallsof the downtube can be molded to provide a chemical reservoir. However,all of these approaches will initially be substantially greater in costdue to the modification of conventional components not necessitated bythe use of an insert according to the present invention.

The insert according to the present invention can take on many differentforms and configurations. A first preferred embodiment of the insert isdefined by a cylinder having one or more chambers or cells disposedtherein. The interior of the cylinder can be provided with one or morebisecting walls to define the chambers along the length thereof. Aplastic cylinder having one or more bisecting walls can be easilyextruded in plastic. The top and bottom of the one or more chambers ofthe insert are sealed by upper and lower sealing membranes. Themembranes can be films, foils, composites of films and foils, or anyother suitable composite that is both chemically resistant and subjectto being punctured readily by an instrument, in particular, the tip ofthe downtube, or can be made to burst.

The upper and lower sealing membranes can be connected to the insert bybonding, adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, sonic welding, or suitablemethods for forming a liquid tight seal (e.g., hermetic seal).

This embodiment of the insert can be marketed inside a filled spraybottle dispenser at point-of-sale. The downtube extends through an openchamber of this insert down into the lower portion of the bottle portionto access premixed chemical reagent added by the bottler duringmanufacture. After consumption of the chemical reagent, a user unscrewsthe sprayhead and lifts the downtube from the bottle portion. The insertis rotated so that one chemical reservoir is now positioned where theopen chamber was previously positioned (i.e., now registered for beingpunctured by the downtube). The user then forces the tip of the downtubethrough the upper sealing membrane, down through the chamber, and thenpunctures the lower sealing membrane. Water can be added through theopen chamber of the insert before or after the step of accessing thechemical reservoir by puncturing with the downtube. This configurationallows the chemical to be always stored within the confines of the spraybottle dispenser, and minimizes the steps needed for recharging thespray bottle dispenser.

The consumer will experience little inconvenience in removing thesprayhead and downtube from the bottle portion, rotating the insert,puncturing the chemical reservoir, adding water through the open chamberof the insert, and reassembling the sprayhead portion to the bottleportion. Further, the chemical concentrate stored within the insert isextremely safe for handling and preventing accidental consumption bychildren (i.e., a child would have to successfully unscrew the sprayheadportion from the bottle portion, fully remove the downtube from thebottle portion, and successfully puncture the insert). Further, even inthe event of puncture of the insert by a child, the access openingthrough the upper sealing membrane would be sufficiently small tosubstantially limit spilling and containing most chemical from beingeasily ingested by a child. Thus, the present invention providessubstantial safeguards over current methods of selling large quantitiesof chemical concentrate at the point-of-sale, and subsequently havingthe consumer handle and mix the chemical concentrate in his or her home.

This particular insert can have one, two, three, four or more separatechambers or cells. For example, in the case of four cells, one cellwould be an open cell through which the downtube is initially placed bythe bottler during assembly when the spray bottle dispenser is providedwith an initial charge of diluted chemical. Thus, in this example, thereremains three cells that can be utilized as three separate chemicalreservoirs. This four cell configuration would allow the user toinitially consume the premixed diluted chemical reagents of the spraybottle dispenser, and then recharge the spray bottle dispenser threemore times prior to consuming all the chemical contained in the spraybottle dispenser. If the consumer then disposed of the spray bottledispenser at that point, this would provide a three time improvementover the current practice of consumers utilizing a spray bottledispenser one time prior to disposal. Thus, the consumption of spraybottle dispensers could be reduced three-fold (i.e., one fourth thewaste) if fully implemented.

However, this invention can even provide for an even greater improvementover current practices by consumers. Specifically, this insert can alsobe sold at the point-of-sale as a separate item that could be added toconventional point-of-sale type spray bottle dispensers having noinserts after the initial consumption of the contents, or for use withspray bottle dispensers having inserts according to the presentinvention after the complete chemical consumption of the insertsinitially sold with the units.

This new system would greatly decrease the shipping weight and costsassociated therewith, decrease retail shelf space for marketing theproduct, and most importantly greatly decrease the consumption and wasteof plastic material. Specifically, the volume of plastic needed to makethe four chamber insert described above would be a small fractioncompared with the weight of plastic of four conventional spray bottledispensers based on equal amounts of useable diluted chemical reagent.Further, the insert when the chemical is completely consumed has littleutility value versus the utility value of an emptied conventional spraybottle dispenser that can be reutilized numerous times. Further,conventional spray bottle dispensers are substantially much greater incost to produce relative to the insert according to the presentinvention, and would conserve significant labor and other direct andindirect costs associated with the production of conventional spraybottle dispenser components versus the insert according to the presentinvention. Further, the insert according to the present invention canreadily be recycled, and could potentially be refilled if an adequatesystem were developed to reprocess such inserts, however, more thanlikely the inserts would be disposed of by consumers based onconvenience factors.

A second embodiment of an insert according to the present inventioninvolves forming a strip of chemical reservoirs that can be disposedwithin the bottle portion of the spray bottle dispenser. The strip ofchemical reservoirs can be made at high speed, and would most likely bemade in a continuous strip and cut to length when completed forinsulation in each spray bottle dispenser. The strip type insert can bemanufactured by a high speed molding technique such as vacuum formingthe chemical reservoirs from a plastic strip, filling the chemicalreservoirs with chemical, and sealing the chemical reservoirs. Thiscompleted strip is then cut to length based on the number of reservoirsto be added to the spray bottle dispenser, and is preferably attached byadhesive or other technique to the inside surface of the bottle portion.The chemical reservoirs made of the plastic strip are made in such amanner so that the chemical reservoirs can be punctured by aninstrument, in particular, the tip of the downtube, or can be made toburst by adding external pressure to the chemical reservoir. A user canburst one or more (i.e., one, two, three, etc.) of the chemicalreservoirs to specifically tailor the concentration of the dilutedchemical reagent. Thus, the concept according to the present inventionallows the consumer some latitude in selecting concentration levelscurrently unavailable with conventional spray bottle dispensers.

In a third embodiment, a plurality of separate cylindrical chemicalreservoirs can be added to the inside of the bottom portion. Thecylinder chemical reservoirs are provided with an upper sealing membranethat can be punctured by an instrument, in particular the tip of thedowntube. The cylinder reservoirs can be separate units or connectedtogether by a strip, or by some other manner. The cylindrical chemicalreservoirs are preferably located at the bottom wall of the bottomportion to allow easy access by the tip of the downtube during apuncturing operation. In a fourth embodiment, cylindrical chemicalreservoirs bridge the side walls of the bottle portion. The cylinderreservoirs are made so they can be burst by simply pressing together thewalls at the location of the particular cylinder reservoir.

In a fifth embodiment, separate donut-shaped chemical reservoirs areadded to a conventional downtube. The donut-shaped reservoirs can bemade so as to be punctured or burst for chemical access. Alternatively,one or more small holes through the inner surface of the donut-shapedreservoirs can be provided and sealed by the downtube itself (adhesivecan also be provided to insure adequate sealing). In this type ofarrangement, the chemical inside the donut-shaped reservoir can beaccessed by simply pulling the donut-shaped chemical reservoir off thedowntube exposing the opening through the inner wall of the donut-shapedreservoir. The donut-shaped reservoir can be removed by unscrewing thesprayhead portion from the bottle portion, lifting the downtube untilthe lowermost donut-shaped reservoir is located at or near the openingof the bottle portion, holding the donut-shaped reservoir by thefingertips of one hand at the opening to the bottle portion, and thenlifting with the other hand the downtube so as to detach thedonut-shaped reservoir from the downtube, and then allowing thedonut-shaped reservoir to drop into the bottle. Water is added before orafter to dilute the concentrate to form the diluted chemical reagent.

In a sixth embodiment, an insert is provided with a plurality ofreservoirs in a stepped and stacked array. The top reservoir is thinnerand deeper compared with a bottom reservoir that is wider and shallower.One or more reservoirs having dimensions in between that of the top andbottom reservoirs can be provided therebetween. This stepped and stackedarrangement allows easy access to any of the chemical reservoirs by aninstrument, in particular the tip of the downtube for puncturing amembrane sealing each reservoir.

In a seventh embodiment, a plurality of reservoirs are provided in aninsert and a stacked arrangement. Each reservoir is sealed at the topand bottom with a sealing membrane. A person using a spray bottledispenser containing this insert initially punctures the upper and lowersealing membranes of the upper reservoir during a first rechargingoperation, punctures the upper and lower sealing membranes of the middlereservoir to access chemical in the middle reservoir during a secondrecharging operation, and does the same to the third chemical reservoirin the third recharging operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a first preferred embodiment of thespray bottle dispenser according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the insert having three (3) separatechambers or cells defining two chemical reservoirs and an empty chamberwith the insert removed from the bottle portion of the spray bottledispenser shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top planer view of the insert shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a bottom planer view of the insert shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a partial detailed view showing the lip of the insert beingsupported by the mouth of the bottle portion of the spray bottledispenser shown in FIG. 1 to suspend the insert in the bottle.

FIG. 6A is a preferred alternative insert having an empty center chamberto accept a downtube centered in the mouth of the bottle portion, andhaving four (4) chemical reservoirs.

FIG. 6B is a preferred alternative insert having four (4) chambers or(i.e., three chemical reservoirs and one empty chamber) cells, insteadof three (3) chambers of the insert shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a second preferred embodiment ofthe spray bottle dispenser according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a partial detailed side cross-sectional view through onereservoir of the spray bottle dispenser shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective head-on view of the outer surface of thereservoir shown in FIG. 8, showing the lines of weakness in thereservoir.

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of a third preferred embodiment ofthe spray bottle dispenser according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of one reservoir of the spraybottle dispenser shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of a fourth preferred embodimentof the spray bottle dispenser according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view through one reservoir of the spraybottle dispenser shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is side elevational view of the one reservoir shown in FIG. 13,showing it bridging between the sides of the bottle portion, andconnected at both ends to the sides of the bottle portion.

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of a fifth preferred embodiment ofthe spray bottle dispenser according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one donut-shaped reservoir of the spraybottle dispenser shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17A is a side cross-sectional view of the donut-shaped reservoirshown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 17B is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative donut-shapedreservoir.

FIG. 18 is an insert of a sixth preferred embodiment of the spray bottledispenser according to present invention.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the upper reservoir of the insertas indicated in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the middle reservoir of the insertas indicated in FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the lower reservoir of the insertas indicated in FIG. 18.

FIG. 22 is an insert of a sixth preferred embodiment of the spray bottledispenser according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a side longitudinal cross-sectional view of the insert shownin FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of an insert with a mechanicalconnector according to the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the mechanical coupler, as shown inFIG. 24.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Definitions

The spray bottle dispenser according to the present invention includesone or more reservoirs containing chemical or chemicals (i.e., chemicalreservoirs).

The chemical reservoir can be a separate unit indirectly associated withthe spray bottle dispenser by packaging, or directly associated to thespray bottle dispenser by connection to the spray bottle dispenserexternally or internally. Preferred embodiments contain the one or morechemical reservoirs internally, most preferably contained inside thebottle portion to fully contain any inadvertent chemical spill orrelease from the one or more chemical reservoirs.

In the case of an external connection with the spray bottle dispenser,the chemical reservoir can be connected by a separate piece mechanicalfastener such as a plastic tab or strip connector connecting thechemical reservoir to the bottle portion, sprayhead portion, orconnected to both the bottle portions and sprayhead portions of thespray bottle dispenser.

Alternatively, the chemical reservoir can be formed as an integralportion of the bottle portion, sprayhead portion, and/or downtube. Inthe integral embodiments, the chemical reservoir can be connected byadhesive, plastic welding, plastic forming (e.g., molding), or by othermeans to directly integrate the reservoir into the spray bottledispenser components.

In a preferred embodiment, the spray bottle dispenser is provided withone or more separate chemical reservoirs to allow the spray bottledispenser to be recharged one or more times. In a most preferredembodiment, the spray bottle dispenser is provided with one or morechemical reservoirs to allow the user to access more than one chemicalreservoirs during a single recharge to increase (e.g., double, triple,quadruple, etc.) the chemical concentration of the recharging mixture inthe particular recharging operation.

The chemical reservoirs can be identical units to simplify and reducecosts of manufacturing, or alternatively, can be different size, shapeand/or configuration of chemical reservoirs. For example, bothinternally and externally connected chemical reservoirs can be applied,and/or integral and separate type chemical reservoirs can be combined.

The one or more chemical reservoirs of the spray bottle dispensercontain chemical or chemicals. Specifically, the reservoir can be filledor partially filled with only a single chemical compound, a one phasemixture of chemicals, a two phase mixture of chemicals, a dispersion, orany other liquid type chemical(s). Alternatively, the chemical(s) can bein the form of a solid such as a tablet, powder, or granules, orsemi-solid such as a thick slurry. In any event, the reservoir shouldcontain a chemical reagent that is readily diluted or dissolvable with asolvent, particularly plain water.

A preferred embodiment of a spray bottle dispenser 10 according to thepresent invention is shown in FIGS. 1-5. The spray bottle comprises asprayhead portion 12 including an inner threaded coupler 16 threadedonto an outer threaded neck of the bottle portion 14. A downtube 18 isconnected to the sprayhead 12 portion, and extends down into the bottomof the bottle portion 14.

The spray bottle dispenser 10 is fitted with an insert 20 having threeseparate chambers 22, 24 and 26. In the embodiment of the insert 20 asshown in FIG. 2, the insert is provided with a rim 28 on an upperportion of the insert 20. The rim 28 has a diameter greater than theinner diameter of the threaded neck 30 of the bottle 14, as shown inFIG. 5. Thus, the rim 28 functions to suspend the insert 20 within thebottle 14.

The chambers 22, 24 and 26 are used for storing a predetermined quantityof liquid concentrate in each chamber. The chambers 24 and 26 are sealedat the top by an upper sealing membrane 32 and the bottom of thechambers 24 and 26 are sealed by lower sealing membrane 34 as shown inFIG. 5. The chamber 22 is open (i.e., not covered by sealing membranes32, 34) to accommodate the downtube 18, and also allow solvent such aswater to be added through the insert into the bottle portion 14.

The insert 20 is preferably made of suitable plastic material, and theupper sealing membrane 32 and lower sealing membrane 34 are preferablymade of suitable plastic film, metal foil, or other suitable single orcomposite layer. The membranes should be chemically resistant to thecontents and suitable for making a liquid tight seal with the insert.The upper sealing membrane 32 and lower sealing membrane 34 can beattached to the insert 20 by various means. For example, the membranes32 and 34 can be attached by bonding, adhesive bonding, thermal welding,sonic welding, or by any suitable conventional means for providing aliquid tight seal (e.g., hermetic seal) of the chambers 22, 24 and 26.

Various other inserts having suitable configurations can be substitutedfor the insert 20 shown in FIG. 1. For example, a five (5) chamberinsert 20' having an open center chamber 36 and four (4) chemicalchambers 37, 38, 39 and 40, is shown in FIG. 6A, and a four (4) chamberinsert 20" having chambers 41, 42, 43 and 44, is shown in FIG. 6.Further, the length of the insert relative to the length of the bottle14 can be substantially varied based on different concentration levelsof the concentrate utilized in the insert. Specifically, higherconcentration concentrate requires less volume in the chambers of theinsert, and thus reducing the needed length of the insert.

The insert 20 can be made by a variety of different techniques, however,injection molding or extruding techniques are the most suitable methodsof manufacture.

The insert 20 can be marketed inside the bottle at the point-of-sale,and/or can be marketed as a separate unit that can be inserted into aconventional spray bottle.

In the case of the insert being marketed inside the bottle, all three(3) chambers 22, 24 and 26 can initially be chemical reservoirs. Thebottle is filled with water or other suitable diluting liquid and thetop sealing membrane 32 and bottom sealing membrane 34 sealing thechamber 22 can be punctured by the tip of the downtube 18 duringinsertion of the downtube into the bottle portion prior to securelyfastening the sprayhead to the bottle portion to complete the packagingassembly. Alternatively, the chamber 22 may be open (i.e., devoid of anyliquid concentrate, as discussed above) and the bottle is initiallyfilled with proper concentration diluted chemical reagent liquid readyto be marketed with the downtube 18 passed through the open chamber 22during assembly. In the embodiment having three (3) chambers as shown inFIG. 3, two additional doses of concentrate contained in chambers 24 and26 can be sequentially punctured by the consumer to dose a bottle withconcentrate. The bottle 14 can be supplied with water through emptychamber 22 before or after the dosing step by the consumer.

A second embodiment of a spray bottle 100 according to the presentinvention as shown in FIGS. 7-9. The spray bottle 100 comprises asprayhead portion 102 and a bottle portion 104. The sprayhead portion102 includes a threaded coupler 106 for connecting the sprayhead portion102 to a threaded neck of the bottle portion 104. A downtube 108 isconnected to the sprayhead portion 102, and extends down to the bottomof the bottle portion 104.

In this second embodiment, a strip 110 having a plurality of chemicalreservoirs 112 containing liquid concentrate is provided in the bottleportion 104. The strip 110 is attached to an inside surface of one wallof the bottle portion 104. The specific location of the strip 110 can bechanged from that shown in FIG. 7 to other locations on the side and/orbottom of the bottle portion 104. Each chemical reservoir 112 is made ina manner so that it can be ruptured either by forcing the tip of thedowntube 108 into the surface of the reservoir 112, or by pinching theoutside walls of the bottle portion 104 together to burst one or morechemical reservoirs 112. For example, the chemical reservoir 112 can bemade so that its wall has one or more lines of weakness 114, as shown inFIGS. 8 and 9.

The strip 110 is preferably made in an infinite length, and then cut tolength for the particular application. Thus, different size bottlescould potentially have more or less number of individual chemicalreservoirs 112. Further, making the strip 112 in an infinite mannerwould allow for high speed production of the strip 110 for high speedinsertion during bottling. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the strip110 is provided with an adhesive layer 116 connecting a sealing layer118 to the back of the strip 110. Another adhesive layer connects thestrip 110 to the wall of the bottle portion 104.

A third embodiment of a spray bottle dispenser 200 according to thepresent invention is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The spray bottledispenser 200 comprises a sprayhead portion 202 and a bottle portion204. The sprayhead portion 202 includes a threaded coupler 206 forconnecting the sprayhead 202 to a threaded neck of the bottle portion204. A downtube 208 is connected to the sprayhead portion 202, andextends down to the bottom portion of the bottle portion 204.

In this third embodiment, a plurality of chemical reservoirs 210 areprovided at the bottom of the bottle portion 204. The chemicalreservoirs 210 can be individual chemical reservoirs, or alternatively,can be connected together by mechanical coupler in some manner. In anyevent, the chemical reservoirs 210 must be configured in such a mannerso that they can be passed through the open mouth of the bottle portion204.

A detailed cross-sectional view of one of the chemical reservoirs 210 isshown in FIG. 11. The chemical reservoir 210 can be cylindrical or someother suitable shape with an open end 212 at a top portion thereof. Theopen end 212 is sealed with a metal foil 214 that can be punctured by aninstrument, in particular the tip of the downtube 208. The reservoir 210is at least partially filled with a chemical concentrate liquid L.

In use, the spray bottle dispenser 200 is filled by the bottler withdiluted chemical reagent. The four (4) chemical reservoirs 210 are eachat least partially filled with a chemical concentrate. Thus, thisparticular configuration allows for four (4) recharging operations. Eachrecharging operation begins with unscrewing the threaded coupler of thesprayhead portion 202 from the spray bottle 204, and slightly liftingthe sprayhead portion 202 upwardly until the tip of the downtube 208clears the upper surfaces of the reservoirs 210. The user then forcesthe tip of the downtube 208 through the metal foil 214 of one of thereservoirs 210 causing it to be punctured. The bottle portion 204 isfilled with water either before or after the step of accessing one ofthe chemical reservoirs 210.

A fourth embodiment of a spray bottle dispenser 300 according thepresent invention is shown in FIGS. 12 to 14. The spray bottle dispenser300 comprises a sprayhead portion 302 and a bottle portion 304. Thesprayhead portion 302 includes a threaded coupler 306 for connecting thesprayhead portion 302 to a threaded neck of the bottle portion 304. Adowntube 308 is connected to the sprayhead portion 302, and extends downto the bottom portion of the bottle portion 304.

In this fourth embodiment, strips 310 and 312 connect together aplurality of chemical reservoirs 314. Five (5) reservoirs are shown inFIG. 12, however, either more or less reservoirs can be utilized.

The reservoir 314 is provided with lines of weakness 316 as shown inFIGS. 13 and 14. The lines of weakness allow the reservoir 314 to burstupon application of force to the reservoir 14. For example, the sides ofthe bottle portion 304 can be squeezed at the location of one of thechemical reservoirs 314 causing it to burst.

The strips 310 and 312 are preferably secured to the walls of the bottleportion 304. For example, the strips 310 and 312 can be adhered withadhesive, or connected by sonic welding or thermal welding. The strip310 and chemical reservoirs can be molded from plastic.

In this particular embodiment, the spray bottle dispenser 300 isrecharged by bursting one or more of the reservoirs 314. The morereservoirs 314 that are burst, the stronger in concentration theresulting diluted chemical reagent will be. A solvent such as water canbe added before of after the bursting operation. The spray bottledispensers are preferably filled with diluted chemical reagent by thebottler containing the plurality of reservoirs 314 to allow numerousrecharging operations.

A fifth embodiment of a spray bottle dispenser 400 according to thepresent invention is shown in FIGS. 15 to 17. The spray bottle dispenser400 comprises a sprayhead portion 402 and a bottle portion 404. Thesprayhead portion 402 includes a threaded coupler 406 for connecting thesprayhead portion 402 to a threaded neck of the bottle portion 404. Adowntube 408 is connected to the sprayhead portion 402, and extends downto the bottom portion of the bottle portion 404.

In this fifth embodiment, a plurality of donut-shaped chemicalreservoirs 410 are provided on the downtube 408. Specifically, thedonut-shaped chemical reservoirs 410 each have a center hole 412 throughwhich the downtube 408 passes. The chemical reservoirs 410 are providedwith a metal foil 414 for sealing an upper end of the chemical reservoir410 for containing the chemical reagent liquid L, as shown in FIGS. 16and 17.

In use, the spray bottle dispenser 400 is initially filled by thebottler with dilute chemical reagent and sold at the point-of-sale.After the initial consumption of the diluted chemical reagent, a userunscrews the sprayhead portion 402 from the body portion 404 and liftsthe downtube 408 from the bottle portion 404. The user then grips thelowermost reservoir 410 and simple pulls it off the end of the downtube408, and then punctures the metal foil 414 with and instrument, inparticular the tip of the downtube 408. The punctured reservoir 410 isdropped into the bottle portion 410. A solvent such as water is added tothe bottle portion 404 before or after the step of puncturing thereservoir 410. The spray bottle dispenser 400 is then reassembled byscrewing the sprayhead portion 402 onto the bottle portion 404.

Another embodiment of a donut-shaped chemical reservoir 410' is shown inFIG. 17B. This chemical reservoir 410', is sealed at the top to definean annuler chamber 416 containing the chemical concentrate liquid L. Oneor more small holes 418 are provided on the internal wall of thethroughhole 412' to allow chemical to escape therethrough. The hole 418is sealed by the outer surface of the downtube when the downtube isinserted through the center hole 118. Further, a thin layer of adhesiveor sealant can be applied between the donut-shaped reservoir and thedowntube to further ensure sealing of the hole 418.

A sixth embodiment of a spray bottle dispenser utilizes insert 500 asshown in FIGS. 18 to 21. The insert 500 comprises a cylinder portion 502having a lip portion 504, a connector portion 506 connecting thecylinder portion 502 to an upper reservoir 508, a connector portion 510connecting the upper reservoir 508 to a middle reservoir 512, and aconnector portion 514 connecting the middle reservoir 512 to the lowerreservoir 516. A downtube 518 is shown passing through the hollowcylinder portion 502, however, is not connected to the insert 500.

The reservoirs 508, 512 and 516 are in a stacked and steppedarrangement. The upper reservoir 508 is thinner in width and deeper indepth compared with the lower reservoir 516. The middle reservoir 512has dimensions between those of the upper reservoir 508 and lowerreservoir 516. This stepped and stacked arrangement allows access by aninstrument to puncture sealing membranes (not shown) sealing eachreservoir 508, 512, 516 while the insert remains in the bottle portionof the spray bottle dispenser.

A seventh embodiment of a spray bottle dispenser having an insert 600 isshown in FIGS. 22 and 23. The insert 600 comprises a cylindrical portion602 having a lip portion 604, a connector portion 608 connecting thecylindrical portion 602 to upper reservoir 610, a connector portion 612connecting the upper reservoir 610 to middle reservoir 614, and aconnector portion 616 connecting the middle reservoir 614 to lowerreservoir 618. The top and bottom of each reservoir 610, 614 and 618 areopen, and each sealed by upper metal foil 620 and a lower metal foil622.

In use, the spray bottle dispensers are filled with diluted chemicalreagent initially by the bottler, and the downtube is passed onlythrough the cylinder portion 602. After consumption of the initialdiluted chemical reagent, the user withdraws the downtube above thelevel of the upper reservoir 610, and forces the tip of the downtubethrough the upper metal foil 620 and lower metal foil 622 of thereservoir 610 releasing the chemical concentrate liquid into the bottleportion. A solvent such as water is added before or after the step ofaccessing the chemical concentrate liquid. After puncturing the metalfoil 620 and 622, the downtube is lifted upwardly and then passedbetween the cylinder portion 602 and the side of the reservoir 610.Alternatively, the downtube can be threaded through the reservoir 610and down along the side of the middle reservoir 614 so as not topuncture the chemical reservoir 614. The connector portion 608, 612 and616 are substantially flexible enough to act as hinges to move the lowerreservoirs out of the way so as not to be punctured by the downtubeduring the insertion operation of the downtube.

In an alternative embodiment, only the upper portion of each reservoiris provided with a membrane that can be punctured with the bottoms beingmolded portions of the reservoirs, and not readily subject to beingpunctured.

In an eighth embodiment, a mechanical coupler 700 is connected to aninsert 702. The insert 702 is identical to the insert shown in FIG. 2,however, with no lip portion 28. The mechanical coupler includes a lipportion 704 and a connector portion 706 connected together by four (4)standoffs 708 (only two are shown in FIGS. 24 and 25). The connectorportion 706 is connected to an upper portion of the insert 702, byinterference fit, adhesive, sonic welding, thermal welding, or by othersuitable connection means.

This arrangement provides four (4) ports 710 to allow water pouredthrough the center of the mechanical coupler 700 to pass through and outthe ports 710 into the bottle portion when recharging the spray bottlerdispenser with this arrangement.

This arrangement allows the inert 702 to be extruded continuously, sinceno lip need be molded in the insert 702. The insert 702 is provided withupper and lower sealing membranes (not shown) and then attached to themechanical coupler 700 during assembly. Thus, the insert 702 can be cutfrom a continuous length of material extruded at high speed, filled withchemical concentrate, sealed with the sealing membranes at both ends,and then assembled with the mechanical coupler 700 to finish completeassembly.

What is claimed is:
 1. A rechargeable spray bottle dispensing apparatus,comprising:a spray bottle including a first neck portion; a spray headconnected to said first neck portion of said spray bottle; a downtubeconnected to said spray head and extending into said spray bottle; and aplurality of reservoirs containing a chemical concentrate for storingsaid chemical concentrate, said plurality of reservoirs being associatedwith the spray bottle dispensing apparatus, said plurality of reservoirsbeing configured for selectively accessing said plurality of reservoirsfor plural recharging of the spray bottle dispensing apparatus.
 2. Anapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of reservoirs aredisposed within said spray bottle.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said plurality of reservoirs are connected together.
 4. Anapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of reservoirs aredefined by an insert having multiple chambers.
 5. An apparatus accordingto claim 4, wherein said insert is provided with a through passagewayfor accommodating said downtube.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 5,wherein said insert includes a cylindrical portion.
 7. An apparatusaccording to claim 6, wherein said insert is provided with an upper rimcooperating with an upper edge of said first neck portion for allowingsaid cylindrical portion to be suspended inside said spray bottle.
 8. Anapparatus according to claim 7, wherein an upper portion of saidcylindrical portion of said insert is sealed in a manner to allow a userto rupture said insert to release said chemical concentrate into saidspray bottle.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said upperportion of said cylindrical portion of said insert is sealed with arupturable membrane.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein saidrupturable membrane is one selected from the group consisting of aplastic film, metal foil, or other suitable single or composition layer.11. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a bottom portion of saidcylindrical portion of said insert is sealed in a manner to allow a userto further rupture said insert to release said chemical concentrate intosaid spray bottle.
 12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein saidlower portion of said cylindrical portion of said insert is sealed witha rupturable membrane.
 13. An apparatus according to claim 12, whereinsaid rupturable membrane is one selected from the group consisting of aplastic film, metal foil, or other suitable single or composition layer.14. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein an upper portion and alower portion of said cylindrical portion of said insert are sealed in amanner to allow a user to rupture said insert to release said chemicalconcentrate into said spray bottle, and said upper portion and saidlower portion of said cylindrical portion of said insert are sealed withrupturable membranes.
 15. An apparatus according to claim 1, whereinsaid plurality of reservoirs are configured in a manner so that saidplurality of reservoirs can be selectively accessed by selectivelypuncturing said plurality of reservoirs to release said chemicalconcentrate into the spray bottle dispensing apparatus.
 16. An apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said plurality of reservoirs areconfigured so that multiple reservoirs can be selectively accessed forrecharging the spray bottle dispensing apparatus during a singlerecharge to increase the chemical concentration of a recharging mixture.17. A spray bottle dispensing apparatus, comprising:a spray bottleincluding a first neck portion; a spray head connected to said firstneck portion of said spray bottle; a downtube connected to said sprayhead and extending into said spray bottle; and an insert disposed withinsaid first neck portion of said spray bottle, said insert being providedwith at least one sealed reservoir and configured for storing at leastone dose of chemical concentrate in the spray bottle and capable ofbeing selectively compromised to release the chemical concentrate intosaid spray bottle, said insert further including a separate open chamberfor providing a through passageway for accommodating said downtube. 18.An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said insert includes acylindrical portion.
 19. An apparatus according to claim 18, whereinsaid insert is provided with an upper rim cooperating with an upper edgeof said first neck portion for allowing said cylindrical insert to besuspended inside said spray bottle.
 20. An apparatus according to claim19, wherein an upper portion and a lower portion of said cylindricalportion of said insert is sealed in a manner to allow a user to rupturesaid insert to release said chemical concentrate into said spray bottle.21. An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said open chamberdefining a passageway for accommodating said downtube is cylindrical.22. An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said insert is providedwith multiple reservoirs containing chemical concentrate.
 23. An insertfor use with a spray bottle dispensing apparatus, said insertcomprising:a plastic device disposed in said spray bottle dispensingapparatus and provided with at least one sealed reservoir configured forstoring a chemical concentrate and capable of being compromised torelease the chemical concentrate into the spray bottle dispensingapparatus, said insert further including a separate open chamber forproviding a through passageway for accommodating said downtube.
 24. Aninsert according to claim 23, including chemical concentrate storedwithin said at least one sealed reservoir.
 25. An insert according toclaim 23, wherein said insert is defined by a tube including one or morebisecting walls to define said at least one sealed reservoir and saidopen chamber for providing a through passageway for accommodating saiddowntube.
 26. An insert according to claim 25, wherein an upper end ofsaid tube is provided with a sealing membrane defined by one selectedfrom the group consisting of a plastic film, metal foil, and othersuitable single or composite layer.
 27. An insert according to claim 26,wherein said sealing membrane is attached to the insert by at least oneselected from the group consisting of bonding, adhesive bonding, thermalwelding and sonic welding.
 28. An insert according to claim 23, whereinsaid insert is made by at least one selected from the group of plasticinjecting molding and plastic extruding.